The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and London officially kicked off festival season with style at GALA 2025—and trust us, it was cooler than cool. Held over the late May bank holiday weekend, this dance music festival in Brockwell Park proved why it’s become the most talked-about event in the city.
Even with the drama surrounding other local festivals (yes, we’re looking at you, Field Day), all eyes were on Peckham’s own GALA, and for good reason.
This wasn’t just another music festival—it was a full-on celebration of community, good vibes, and incredible music. GALA marked its 10th edition this year, and it was clear from the start that this team knows exactly what they’re doing.
Forget messy lineups or last-minute DJ swaps. GALA’s schedule was perfectly balanced across three jam-packed days—with something for every kind of music lover.
Friday opened with Detroit legends Moodymann and Theo Parrish, setting the mood with deep, soulful house that had the crowd grooving from the first beat. In fact, Theo Parrish had an entire stage to himself, and he took fans on a wild ride of experimental, funky sounds all day long.
Saturday? Total party mode. Think electro, breakbeat, and all things bold and queer. From foot-stomping dance beats to colorful performances, it was the festival’s most energetic day.
Sunday was the perfect cool-down—if you can call a disco explosion “cool.” Sets from Horse Meat Disco and Paula Tape turned the park into a shimmering dancefloor under the open sky.
Let’s talk aesthetics. GALA wasn’t just about sound—it was also a total feast for the eyes.
One fan-favorite was the Pleasure Dome, where red streamers waved in the air like giant ribbons and a shiny mirror panel gave the DJ booth major glam. During S-candalo’s set on Saturday, dancers in soccer jerseys hyped up the crowd with whistles, while stilts-wearing showgirls strutted their stuff on Sunday. Yes, it was as wild as it sounds.
In the Cornerstone tent, a gooey-looking plastic art piece floated above the crowd during Club Are’s Saturday takeover. But come Sunday, it was disco heaven: vinyl records, a glittering disco ball, and Hi-Fi legends JUMBI spinning funky classics.
Plus, takeovers by The Cause and Chapter 10 proved GALA’s team is fully dialed into London’s underground party scene.
At the heart of the festival was JOY, the main stage. Decorated with strips of colorful fabric dancing in the breeze, it looked like a dream. But the real star? A random vase of lilies sitting on the DJ booth. It somehow became the unofficial mascot of the weekend—fans couldn’t stop snapping pics and wondering if it would fall.
Still, JOY delivered. On Saturday, Avalon Emerson filled the air with dreamy club sounds that had the crowd swaying like the fabric overhead. On Sunday, Caribou closed things out with a live set that was pure magic—lights flashing, beats building, and the crowd absolutely losing it.
GALA didn’t have to try too hard. There were no screaming signs or giant sponsored stages. It was just good music, great people, and flawless vibes. From vinyl spinners to soulful sets, everything was done with care and intention.
So, is GALA 2025 the coolest dance music festival in London?
100% yes.
And honestly, it might just be the best way to kick off summer in the city. Until next year, GALA—we’ll be dreaming of disco balls and lilies in vases.
